Google and Apple must make it easier for parents to keep kids safe online

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As teens grow older, their time spent online increases — and so does their exposure to a never-ending stream of notifications, content and apps. According to a 2024 report by Pew Research Center, nearly half of U.S. teens say they are online “almost constantly.” This level of access presents serious challenges for parents trying to protect their teens from platforms like YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat or the many other apps that can be downloaded right onto today’s smart phones.

As parents, we have tried to stay on top of what our teenager is downloading and viewing. But even with screen time settings and app restrictions in place, it’s easy for young users to find workarounds — especially when all it takes is misrepresenting your age to gain access to adult content. Right now, the burden of age verification and content restrictions rests largely within individual apps, resulting in a rollercoaster of standards. Some apps are diligent, while others are lax. It’s unpredictable and, frankly, unfair to expect parents to manage it all without consistent tools. 

A smarter solution

Clearly, we need a unified system that empowers parents, not developers, to make these approvals. If platforms like the Apple App Store and Google Play Store were required to verify age and parental consent before allowing minors to download apps, the process would be much more streamlined and secure. Apple and Google have the technical, organizational and ethical skills to make this work. As a result, parents can be true partners, not just viewers, in guiding their children’s digital choices. Fortunately, our concerns are being heard where it matters, as legislators in several states are taking steps to help parents navigate this evolving online world.

At the federal level, Michigan’s own U.S. Rep. John James, R-Shelby Township, is leading the charge, having just introduced the App Store Accountability Act in the 119th Congress. James had previously introduced the legislation in 2024. U.S. Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, is leading an identical companion bill in the U.S. Senate. As James described the the App Store Accountability Act in a press release announcing its introduction, the act would:

• Require age verification for access to App Store ID
• Require parental consent for users under 18 using App stores
• Link devices of minors on app stores to parents/guardians
• Establish enforcement mechanisms for violations of this act

The legislation would ensure that app stores take responsibility for verifying a user’s age — just as we expect age checks for purchasing alcohol or tobacco at retail stores. This approach has many advantages, including creating consistency and transparency across platforms, giving families more control and helping teens navigate their online world safely and responsibly.

While we are still responsible for the consequences and actions of our children’s decisions, this bill will be a great push forward in protecting our kids online. When we give parents better tools to set up secure boundaries, we give our kids a safer future.

Reflecting on our experiences raising our 16-year-old daughter and 20-year-old son, we recognize the importance of having resources like the App Store Accountability Act in place during their formative years.

Jack and Aimee Fugate are parents in Rochester Hills. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters, and we may publish it online and in print.

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